Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI

Bluefox · 13-07-2008, 00:01

That's about it for now to be honest. Only other updates are slightly better pics:

More to follow soon, including updated camera locator, CV gaiter fix and big-time clean

Bluefox · 13-07-2008, 00:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by mluton

Its great following your progress mate, keep up the good work.

Thanks, appreciate that

Baker21 · 14-07-2008, 08:38

Great work buddy, new rims look spot on and like the new plates.......

Bluefox · 14-07-2008, 12:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baker21

Great work buddy, new rims look spot on and like the new plates.......

Thanks

I really like the plates, they really are top notch. The bigger wheels have made a difference to the feel, almost feels smoother now.

All that's left now is to update my sig...

Baker21 · 14-07-2008, 13:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluefox

All that's left now is to update my sig...

Get on with it then..................

Bluefox · 14-07-2008, 21:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baker21

Get on with it then..................

Baker21 · 15-07-2008, 08:15

Nice sig..............

Wardy · 26-08-2008, 21:19

Just caught up on all of your progress in one go, after clicking your 'Project Diary' link from a post of yours in another thread

Great work I must say; looks spot on

Cheers,
Steve

Bluefox · 27-08-2008, 08:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wardy

Just caught up on all of your progress in one go, after clicking your 'Project Diary' link from a post of yours in another thread

Great work I must say; looks spot on

Cheers,
Steve

Yay, the link works!

Thanks for the comment, appreciate that

Captain Scarlet · 28-08-2008, 21:09

Looking mean, good job.

Bluefox · 29-08-2008, 08:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by Captain Scarlet

Looking mean, good job.

Nice one, thanks

Bluefox · 10-09-2008, 22:06

Okie doke, time for some updates.

As I've done some work on her recently, the first thing I thought I'd do would be to update my "shopping list":

Maintenance, Winter Preparation & Problem Fixing
New legal plates to replace tired & cracked OE ones
Fit 2x new track rod ends
MOT
Grease pinch bolts
Clean K&N
Remove battery & test
Clean plenum drains & check pollen filter housing
Replace pollen filter
Update AA/RAC membership
Uprated dipped headlamp bulbs/Xeons
Uprated main headlamp bulbs
Replacement (metal cased) white LED side lamps
White LED numberplate lights
Pre-Winter detail

Short Term
Full four wheel alignment
Various paintwork repairs
Replacing damaged grille & surround
Replacing faded grille & boot badges
Parrot handsfree kit
Hard-wiring phone charger into central armrest
Sorting intermittent problem with Origin B2 camera locator
Recaro group 3 seat for Gabriella

Medium term
Turbo-back (cat bypass) stainless exhaust system
Remap (~170-180bhp)
Uprated brake pads & DOT 5.1 fluid

Long term
Cruise control retro-fit
Parking sensors
KW Variant 1 coilovers
Non-dating/private numberplate

Looooong term/pencilled in
Stainless steel intercooler/turbo pipework...?
Double-din sat nav head unit...?
Upgraded sub(s) with hidden install...?
Amplified door speakers...?
Respray...?
...er...
...that's it?!

Bluefox · 10-09-2008, 22:21

Winter preparation!! ARGH!!

Still, that at the moment is up to date. I've not really had any issues to report on (touches wood) since the pollen filter incident, other than the oil & filter change and CV gaiter replacement.

Had that done just before I went on holiday for the weekend, as the offside one had split and spat CV grease all over my wheels & arch liner.

Since then nothing to report except I forgot to reset the service indicator, so I'll leave that till my next change. I'll be doing it myself from now on, either by stubbornly using a trolley jack & axle stands or using my ramps with long planks of wood. Either that or get one of those fancy pressurised oil removers Lummox was talking about setting up a GB for.

Also, I'll be switching from the Castrol Edge TD 5w/40 to the Halfords 505.01 spec'd diesel fully synthetic - even at trade the Castrol's gone up to £12/litre whereas the Halfords (which incidentally is made by Comma) is about £20 /gallon!

Finally, the car seat situation. It seems as though Gabriella is very close to outgrowing her Priori XP even though she's not even 2 yet! She's quite tall so her head is fast approaching the top of the side impact protection, and she's only a few pounds off the weight limit... at the moment it's looking like Recaro simply because they have a group 3 seat (i.e. high back booster) which is substantially better made than some other (cheaper) seats, but more to the point it still has a harness for younger kids. Once I've got the dollar I'll be choosing the colours, a process which no doubt will be so complicated I'll have to write about it.

I've realised I've not updated my sub installation, although I've got the pics from it - so that will be added slightly out of sequence when I get around to doing so... also the pics from my pre-E38 "detail" will be put here for completeness.

More to follow soon!

Bluefox · 09-10-2008, 12:54

MOT today! Yikes!

Will update later on tonight with progress...

Baker21 · 09-10-2008, 12:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluefox

MOT today! Yikes!

Will update later on tonight with progress...

Had mine last week and it sailed through..........no pressure...........

Bluefox · 10-10-2008, 09:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baker21

Had mine last week and it sailed through..........no pressure...........

Gee, thanks...

Bluefox · 10-10-2008, 09:02

I'm pleased to report that it's gone through with no issues, not even an advisory

I was expecting problems with the track rod ends, but that seems not to have caused a problem; and I left Gabby's baby seat in the back- the last time I did this I got an advisory as they couldn't test that belt.

Still, no worries this time so I'm back on the road!

Now, what to do with that Furby VRS I borrowed...

Baker21 · 10-10-2008, 09:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluefox

I'm pleased to report that it's gone through with no issues, not even an advisory

I was expecting problems with the track rod ends, but that seems not to have caused a problem; and I left Gabby's baby seat in the back- the last time I did this I got an advisory as they couldn't test that belt.

Still, no worries this time so I'm back on the road!

Now, what to do with that Furby VRS I borrowed...

Good news........

Bluefox · 11-10-2008, 22:38

I've dug out one of the older articles I wrote on another site and thought I'd add it here, although it is slightly out of place - one of my posts ages ago cited this report, on one of those eBay tuning box things...

I did this as an experiment - I'd got some money from an Xmas bonus from work, and as I was running a diesel forum at the time I wanted to put an end to the debate once and for all... and as it effectively cost me nothing, I didn't have much to loose.

This is post #1. Read on...

I've noticed that there was a lot of debate on other forums about these TDi Tuning Boxes; most of which are sold on eBay or similar. I was actually searching for some other parts when I stumbled accross a particular seller who offered a tuning box for my car at a reasonable price. To this end, I decided that I was going to look into the whole debate, and settle the argument once and for all, more than gain anything for myself.

I, like most of you on here, had been looking into remaps for my car. Upto 50bhp extra for costs ranging from £150 to £400 +vat. Having a young family to support, I coudln't justifiy the cost of such an upgrade so I was looking for alternatives.

This is where John comes in. He's a supplier of diesel tuning units on eBay, and as I write this he's got 100% feedback. This is the chap who supplied the tuning box I speak about in this article, and his store is well worth a look - from PD diesels, to BMW's to some older models - if it's EFI he's got a box for you.

Fitting

The first job was to open the bonnet. Here's what my engine looks like: it's a 130bhp PD TDI, code AWX:

Here's what the unit looks like before any work, so we know what we're dealing with.

Now, I understand that this might not be exactly the same type of engine you've got, but the basic priniciples are the same. In any case, each tuning box comes with comprehensive instructions.

Remove the cover(s):

Locate the sensor in the fuel line. There's some confusion as to weather this is a tempreature or a pressure sensor, but in any case it should be obvious as it's the only sensor in the middle of the fuel line. Here's mine:

Remove the plug from this, and plug it into one of the wires coming from the box.

The other wire plugs into the sensor, so you end up with something that looks like this.

That's it. The unit is preset, but if you want to adjust it there's a screw on the underside of the unit. The instructions state that there's a +-12 adjustment which is done by turning the screw one complete turn, upto 12 turns. Currently mine's set to +7.

Conclusion

I've had the unit fitted now for a few days, and to be honest the only things I can say are good.
Sure, I've got no rolling road figures to back it up, but there certainly seems to be a definate increase in power and torque. The only quantifiable thing I can find is the effect on the steering under acceleration, particular in second gear... there's defeniately an increase in torque steer. To those of you driving Vauxhalls, this will be nothing new - my point is that there's a definate increase in torque as it's now clearly affecting the steering.
According to my trip computer, there's an 8mpg (average) decrease in fuel consumption - this has yet to be confirmed exactly, but it does seem to be using less fuel.

Finally, I can only say that you get what you pay for. I paid £50 for the box fitted to my car, and for that price I'm more than satisfied. Indeed, had John sold it me for his usual price of £80, I still wouldn't be upset. I'm not saying for a minute this is better than a remap; I would say that a proper remap is a much better option on every level.

This cost me £57, with next day delivery. Sure, £57 might have bought me a resistor in a box, which of course are plentiful on eBay. The difference - as I've proved - being this actually works. And it works damn well.

Bluefox · 11-10-2008, 22:39

Post #2 started to prove just how bad they really are:

Hmm.

It's a couple of months since I installed the tuning box on my Skoda Superb TDI. All was well... until two weeks ago when a light came on my dash.

The Skoda manual... well, here's an extract from my blog.

"well.

i've been to the Skoda main dealer today, to diagnose my "Emission or Power Control" warning lamp that's been on my dash for a couple of weeks.

you guessed it.

it's that fuel temperature sensor. which is okay, i mean it's only £14+vat (even at retail)... but as we're in the middle of moving house, i've got no space, time or even tools (they're boxed up at mum's) to do it so i'm paying the labour to do it! all in about £85 inc vat."

Skoda dealer in question was Autosales in Cannock.

I'm not making any further comment until I've spoken to the seller of the tuning units for his comment - however I'm aware that there is a link to this thread on some of his eBay auctions.

I started this as a review, and as a way of finding out "the definitive verdict" on a subject that there's a lot of debate over. To this end, I'm writing this post.

As I say in all my responses to questions on eBay - "hope this helps".

Bluefox · 11-10-2008, 22:41

The final conclusion, in post #3, was after a couple of weeks of somewhat heated email conversation with the seller.

As I said, it was an experiment - and one which proved there's no such thing as a free lunch. This is possibly the reason I'm skeptical even of Dragon Digital tuning boxes, although clearly these are a different kettle of fish.

Anyway, conclusions... and of course comments are welcome

Well, it's all over. I got my refund, as promised, via Paypal today.

All in all, it's cost me £90 for the repairs, £35 for the initial diagnosis and £60 inc postage for the unit. For which I've received a £40 refund.

I'm not going to post the whole email exchange here. Basically he said there was no way the unit could cause the fault, the Skoda dealer and my local Vagcom-man did.

True to his word, John offered me the refund that we'd previously agreed, and with that I was happy. However, I read the receipt I got from Paypal, and in the comments section was this:

"have had full info from my supplier and the unit cannot damage anything on your car it is a 5 amp signal the same as the car normally sends ,once anyone fits a unit to a car if anything goes wrong blame the chip ,brake lights and brake light switches included.before slating something get your info correct"

I'm not going to comment any further on this supplier, although obviously discussion on the subject is welcome in other sections of the forum.

I just want everyone to know the facts - I'll leave it up to yourselves to make an informed decision, perhaps based on the content of this, now locked, thread.

Just don't believe everything you read on eBay.

You have been warned. Trust me, I've been there.

Wardy · 13-10-2008, 21:40

A lot of good info for people that. Personally, I'd create a separate thread in General or perhaps 'Ask a Tech' and maybe ask a mod about it being made 'sticky'.

Steve

Bluefox · 22-11-2008, 12:50

Well, the "winter prep" didn't quite go as well as I'd hoped. The weather was a little shocking, plus doing the family thing over my birthday took a little more time than I was planning for! Also, the money situation didn't help...

Anyway, I managed to get her waxed if nothing else, and the in-laws have bought me a new buffer so the pre-spring detail will now be challenging Baker...

13-07-2008, 00:01	#26
Bluefox Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire Posts: 1,087 Members Car: 53-plate Skoda Superb 130 TDI Thanks: 67 Thanked 51 Times in 44 Posts	Re: Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI That's about it for now to be honest. Only other updates are slightly better pics: More to follow soon, including updated camera locator, CV gaiter fix and big-time clean __________________ 2003 Superb Classic TDI 130 - Project Diary - Updated 22/11/08 2006 Fabia vRS - Project Diary - Updated 11/10/08

14-07-2008, 08:38	#28
Baker21 OEM+ SUPERB Join Date: May 2005 Location: Northants Posts: 3,148 Members Car: Skoda Superb PD TDI 130 Comfort Thanks: 2 Thanked 102 Times in 94 Posts	Re: Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI Great work buddy, new rims look spot on and like the new plates....... __________________ Best regards, Baker21 - 'OEM+' SKODA SUPERB PD TDI 130 Need you motor 'Detailing'?? Then drop me a PM...

15-07-2008, 08:15	#32
Baker21 OEM+ SUPERB Join Date: May 2005 Location: Northants Posts: 3,148 Members Car: Skoda Superb PD TDI 130 Comfort Thanks: 2 Thanked 102 Times in 94 Posts	Re: Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI Nice sig.............. __________________ Best regards, Baker21 - 'OEM+' SKODA SUPERB PD TDI 130 Need you motor 'Detailing'?? Then drop me a PM...

26-08-2008, 21:19	#33
Wardy 207/340 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Around Manchester & Cheshire Posts: 11,751 Members Car: Skoda Fabia vRS Thanks: 457 Thanked 370 Times in 358 Posts	Re: Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI Just caught up on all of your progress in one go, after clicking your 'Project Diary' link from a post of yours in another thread Great work I must say; looks spot on Cheers, Steve __________________ Wardy's Fabia vRS xenons : sunroof : cruise : OEM+ "Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting." - Steve McQueen "If in doubt, flat out." - Colin McRae

28-08-2008, 21:09	#35
Captain Scarlet Proud new Dad Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Carlisle, Cumbria Posts: 2,874 Members Car: Octavia vRS TDi Thanks: 165 Thanked 160 Times in 151 Posts	Re: Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI Looking mean, good job. __________________ Running on the fuel of Satan....

10-09-2008, 22:06	#37
Bluefox Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire Posts: 1,087 Members Car: 53-plate Skoda Superb 130 TDI Thanks: 67 Thanked 51 Times in 44 Posts	Re: Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI Okie doke, time for some updates. As I've done some work on her recently, the first thing I thought I'd do would be to update my "shopping list": Maintenance, Winter Preparation & Problem Fixing New legal plates to replace tired & cracked OE ones Fit 2x new track rod ends MOT Grease pinch bolts Clean K&N Remove battery & test Clean plenum drains & check pollen filter housing Replace pollen filter Update AA/RAC membership Uprated dipped headlamp bulbs/Xeons Uprated main headlamp bulbs Replacement (metal cased) white LED side lamps White LED numberplate lights Pre-Winter detail Short Term Full four wheel alignment Various paintwork repairs Replacing damaged grille & surround Replacing faded grille & boot badges Parrot handsfree kit Hard-wiring phone charger into central armrest Sorting intermittent problem with Origin B2 camera locator Recaro group 3 seat for Gabriella Medium term Turbo-back (cat bypass) stainless exhaust system Remap (~170-180bhp) Uprated brake pads & DOT 5.1 fluid Long term Cruise control retro-fit Parking sensors KW Variant 1 coilovers Non-dating/private numberplate Looooong term/pencilled in Stainless steel intercooler/turbo pipework...? Double-din sat nav head unit...? Upgraded sub(s) with hidden install...? Amplified door speakers...? Respray...? ...er... ...that's it?! __________________ 2003 Superb Classic TDI 130 - Project Diary - Updated 22/11/08 2006 Fabia vRS - Project Diary - Updated 11/10/08 Last edited by Bluefox; 10-09-2008 at 22:13.

10-09-2008, 22:21	#38
Bluefox Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire Posts: 1,087 Members Car: 53-plate Skoda Superb 130 TDI Thanks: 67 Thanked 51 Times in 44 Posts	Re: Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI Winter preparation!! ARGH!! Still, that at the moment is up to date. I've not really had any issues to report on (touches wood) since the pollen filter incident, other than the oil & filter change and CV gaiter replacement. Had that done just before I went on holiday for the weekend, as the offside one had split and spat CV grease all over my wheels & arch liner. Since then nothing to report except I forgot to reset the service indicator, so I'll leave that till my next change. I'll be doing it myself from now on, either by stubbornly using a trolley jack & axle stands or using my ramps with long planks of wood. Either that or get one of those fancy pressurised oil removers Lummox was talking about setting up a GB for. Also, I'll be switching from the Castrol Edge TD 5w/40 to the Halfords 505.01 spec'd diesel fully synthetic - even at trade the Castrol's gone up to £12/litre whereas the Halfords (which incidentally is made by Comma) is about £20 /gallon! Finally, the car seat situation. It seems as though Gabriella is very close to outgrowing her Priori XP even though she's not even 2 yet! She's quite tall so her head is fast approaching the top of the side impact protection, and she's only a few pounds off the weight limit... at the moment it's looking like Recaro simply because they have a group 3 seat (i.e. high back booster) which is substantially better made than some other (cheaper) seats, but more to the point it still has a harness for younger kids. Once I've got the dollar I'll be choosing the colours, a process which no doubt will be so complicated I'll have to write about it. I've realised I've not updated my sub installation, although I've got the pics from it - so that will be added slightly out of sequence when I get around to doing so... also the pics from my pre-E38 "detail" will be put here for completeness. More to follow soon! __________________ 2003 Superb Classic TDI 130 - Project Diary - Updated 22/11/08 2006 Fabia vRS - Project Diary - Updated 11/10/08

09-10-2008, 12:54	#39
Bluefox Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire Posts: 1,087 Members Car: 53-plate Skoda Superb 130 TDI Thanks: 67 Thanked 51 Times in 44 Posts	Re: Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI MOT today! Yikes! Will update later on tonight with progress... __________________ 2003 Superb Classic TDI 130 - Project Diary - Updated 22/11/08 2006 Fabia vRS - Project Diary - Updated 11/10/08

10-10-2008, 09:02	#42
Bluefox Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire Posts: 1,087 Members Car: 53-plate Skoda Superb 130 TDI Thanks: 67 Thanked 51 Times in 44 Posts	Re: Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI I'm pleased to report that it's gone through with no issues, not even an advisory I was expecting problems with the track rod ends, but that seems not to have caused a problem; and I left Gabby's baby seat in the back- the last time I did this I got an advisory as they couldn't test that belt. Still, no worries this time so I'm back on the road! Now, what to do with that Furby VRS I borrowed... __________________ 2003 Superb Classic TDI 130 - Project Diary - Updated 22/11/08 2006 Fabia vRS - Project Diary - Updated 11/10/08

11-10-2008, 22:38	#44
Bluefox Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire Posts: 1,087 Members Car: 53-plate Skoda Superb 130 TDI Thanks: 67 Thanked 51 Times in 44 Posts	Re: Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI I've dug out one of the older articles I wrote on another site and thought I'd add it here, although it is slightly out of place - one of my posts ages ago cited this report, on one of those eBay tuning box things... I did this as an experiment - I'd got some money from an Xmas bonus from work, and as I was running a diesel forum at the time I wanted to put an end to the debate once and for all... and as it effectively cost me nothing, I didn't have much to loose. This is post #1. Read on... I've noticed that there was a lot of debate on other forums about these TDi Tuning Boxes; most of which are sold on eBay or similar. I was actually searching for some other parts when I stumbled accross a particular seller who offered a tuning box for my car at a reasonable price. To this end, I decided that I was going to look into the whole debate, and settle the argument once and for all, more than gain anything for myself. I, like most of you on here, had been looking into remaps for my car. Upto 50bhp extra for costs ranging from £150 to £400 +vat. Having a young family to support, I coudln't justifiy the cost of such an upgrade so I was looking for alternatives. This is where John comes in. He's a supplier of diesel tuning units on eBay, and as I write this he's got 100% feedback. This is the chap who supplied the tuning box I speak about in this article, and his store is well worth a look - from PD diesels, to BMW's to some older models - if it's EFI he's got a box for you. Fitting The first job was to open the bonnet. Here's what my engine looks like: it's a 130bhp PD TDI, code AWX: Here's what the unit looks like before any work, so we know what we're dealing with. Now, I understand that this might not be exactly the same type of engine you've got, but the basic priniciples are the same. In any case, each tuning box comes with comprehensive instructions. Remove the cover(s): Locate the sensor in the fuel line. There's some confusion as to weather this is a tempreature or a pressure sensor, but in any case it should be obvious as it's the only sensor in the middle of the fuel line. Here's mine: Remove the plug from this, and plug it into one of the wires coming from the box. The other wire plugs into the sensor, so you end up with something that looks like this. That's it. The unit is preset, but if you want to adjust it there's a screw on the underside of the unit. The instructions state that there's a +-12 adjustment which is done by turning the screw one complete turn, upto 12 turns. Currently mine's set to +7. Conclusion I've had the unit fitted now for a few days, and to be honest the only things I can say are good. Sure, I've got no rolling road figures to back it up, but there certainly seems to be a definate increase in power and torque. The only quantifiable thing I can find is the effect on the steering under acceleration, particular in second gear... there's defeniately an increase in torque steer. To those of you driving Vauxhalls, this will be nothing new - my point is that there's a definate increase in torque as it's now clearly affecting the steering. According to my trip computer, there's an 8mpg (average) decrease in fuel consumption - this has yet to be confirmed exactly, but it does seem to be using less fuel. Finally, I can only say that you get what you pay for. I paid £50 for the box fitted to my car, and for that price I'm more than satisfied. Indeed, had John sold it me for his usual price of £80, I still wouldn't be upset. I'm not saying for a minute this is better than a remap; I would say that a proper remap is a much better option on every level. This cost me £57, with next day delivery. Sure, £57 might have bought me a resistor in a box, which of course are plentiful on eBay. The difference - as I've proved - being this actually works. And it works damn well. __________________ 2003 Superb Classic TDI 130 - Project Diary - Updated 22/11/08 2006 Fabia vRS - Project Diary - Updated 11/10/08

11-10-2008, 22:39	#45
Bluefox Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire Posts: 1,087 Members Car: 53-plate Skoda Superb 130 TDI Thanks: 67 Thanked 51 Times in 44 Posts	Re: Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI Post #2 started to prove just *how bad they really* are**: Hmm. It's a couple of months since I installed the tuning box on my Skoda Superb TDI. All was well... until two weeks ago when a light came on my dash. The Skoda manual... well, here's an extract from my blog. "well. i've been to the Skoda main dealer today, to diagnose my "Emission or Power Control" warning lamp that's been on my dash for a couple of weeks. you guessed it. it's that fuel temperature sensor. which is okay, i mean it's only £14+vat (even at retail)... but as we're in the middle of moving house, i've got no space, time or even tools (they're boxed up at mum's) to do it so i'm paying the labour to do it! all in about £85 inc vat." Skoda dealer in question was Autosales in Cannock. I'm not making any further comment until I've spoken to the seller of the tuning units for his comment - however I'm aware that there is a link to this thread on some of his eBay auctions. I started this as a review, and as a way of finding out "the definitive verdict" on a subject that there's a lot of debate over. To this end, I'm writing this post. As I say in all my responses to questions on eBay - "hope this helps". __________________ 2003 Superb Classic TDI 130 - Project Diary - Updated 22/11/08 2006 Fabia vRS - Project Diary - Updated 11/10/08

11-10-2008, 22:41	#46
Bluefox Briskodian Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Rugby, Warwickshire Posts: 1,087 Members Car: 53-plate Skoda Superb 130 TDI Thanks: 67 Thanked 51 Times in 44 Posts	Re: Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI The final conclusion, in post #3, was after a couple of weeks of somewhat heated email conversation with the seller. As I said, it was an experiment - and one which proved there's no such thing as a free lunch. This is possibly the reason I'm skeptical even of Dragon Digital tuning boxes, although clearly these are a different kettle of fish. Anyway, conclusions... and of course comments are welcome Well, it's all over. I got my refund, as promised, via Paypal today. All in all, it's cost me £90 for the repairs, £35 for the initial diagnosis and £60 inc postage for the unit. For which I've received a £40 refund. I'm not going to post the whole email exchange here. Basically he said there was no way the unit could cause the fault, the Skoda dealer and my local Vagcom-man did. True to his word, John offered me the refund that we'd previously agreed, and with that I was happy. However, I read the receipt I got from Paypal, and in the comments section was this: "have had full info from my supplier and the unit cannot damage anything on your car it is a 5 amp signal the same as the car normally sends ,once anyone fits a unit to a car if anything goes wrong blame the chip ,brake lights and brake light switches included.before slating something get your info correct" I'm not going to comment any further on this supplier, although obviously discussion on the subject is welcome in other sections of the forum. I just want everyone to know the facts - I'll leave it up to yourselves to make an informed decision, perhaps based on the content of this, now locked, thread. Just don't believe everything you read on eBay. You have been warned. Trust me, I've been there. __________________ 2003 Superb Classic TDI 130 - Project Diary - Updated 22/11/08 2006 Fabia vRS - Project Diary - Updated 11/10/08

13-10-2008, 21:40	#47
Wardy 207/340 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Around Manchester & Cheshire Posts: 11,751 Members Car: Skoda Fabia vRS Thanks: 457 Thanked 370 Times in 358 Posts	Re: Bluefox's 2003 Superb TDI A lot of good info for people that. Personally, I'd create a separate thread in General or perhaps 'Ask a Tech' and maybe ask a mod about it being made 'sticky'. Steve __________________ Wardy's Fabia vRS xenons : sunroof : cruise : OEM+ "Racing is life. Anything before or after is just waiting." - Steve McQueen "If in doubt, flat out." - Colin McRae